“The Iceman” Mika Immonen Caps off the Best Year of His Career with a New Title 2009 World 10-Ball Champion… Plus a New Spotlight Video by NYC Grind!
November 30, 2009
Mika Immonen - Captures the 10-Ball World Championships
On the last day of the WPA 10-Ball World Championships, there were only four players remaining out of the 128 that begun the event which took place in the Philippine capital city of Manila, from November 25-30th. Players from 50 countries all had their eyes on the $60,000 first prize along with the trophy that had the engraved “2009 World 10-Ball Champion” insignia on it.
10-Ball World Champion - Mika Immonen
For those that are unfamiliar with the game, 10-Ball is played just like 9-ball, where a player must pocket balls from 1-10 in ascending order, however, all shots must be called in this format. If a player plays a safe and accidentally pockets another ball, his opponent has the option to let he shooter re-shoot. This takes a lot of the luck out of the game, and gives more credibility to the sport in the eyes of many top pros, as it is becoming the gold standard for pro pool today.
In early October, we published a story on Mika Immonen’s amazing run from being the 2008 US Open Champion straight through to snapping off the Galveston World 10-Ball Classic in September… click here to read the story. As I interviewed Mika for that spotlight… I personally would have no idea that the “Iceman” would continue to shock the world not only by winning his second straight US Open–matching a record only achieved by Nick Varner–but now also with the World 10-Ball Championships. The only word I can think of is “WOW.”
Read on for more details on the World 10-Ball Championships and to check out our brand-new spotlight video on Mika Immonen’s back-to-back US Open wins…
Mika Immonen Secures a Position in Finals of the World 10-Ball Championships
November 30, 2009
Mika Immonen
The World 10-Ball Championships are now in the semi-final rounds of the event, being held in Manila. On Friday, 64 players started off the single elimination rounds, and early this morning (afternoon in Manila) the only four players remained as contenders for this world title.
Now, after the first semi-final match was completed, reigning US Open Champion Mika Immonen is now guaranteed a spot in the finals, and is waiting for the winner between Spain’s David Alcaide and Philippine powerhouse Lee Van Corteza. Immonen defeated Corteza’s comrade, Antonio Lining 9-7. “The Iceman” had started out with a 4-1 lead, but Lining battled back, to eventually tie at 7-7, but costly kicking errors by Lining resulted in Immonen’s final victory.
Read on for more on the final day’s action at the World 10-Ball Championships in the story from WPA Press Officer, Jerry Forsyth.
Paul Everton Captures His Second Consecutive Tri-State Tour Event at Sandcastle Billiards
November 30, 2009
2nd Place Finisher Christian Smith along with Tri State Tour B/C - Champion Paul Everton
The Tri-State Tour made a stop last Saturday, November 28 at the pool player-friendly Sandcastle Billiards. The “Sandman” who runs the Edison, NJ pool room, welcomed thirty-six B/C level players to play in the Tri State 9-Ball event.
Sandcastle Billiards
Last week, Paul Everton topped the B/C event at Master Billiards in Queens and continued his hot hand as the tour traveled to Jersey.
Dennis Hatch Defends His Title at the 21st Annual Ocean State 9-ball Championships
November 27, 2009
Dennis Hatch
By NYC Grind Contributor, Alison M. Fischer
The “Hatchetman” Dennis Hatch has done it again… The Joss Tour’s 21st Annual Ocean State 9-ball Championships was held on November 21-22 at Snookers Billiards, Bar & Grill in Providence, Rhode Island, where Hatch defended his 2008 Ocean State title.
Having recently been named the final player on Team USA for the 2009 Mosconi Cup, Dennis Hatch is doubtlessly getting in gear to compete at his highest level, making it no real surprise that he snapped off this event, which boasted 108 of the toughest players from around the Northeast.
2008 was Hatch’s first-ever Ocean State win, and this back-to-back win adds his name to a short list of notable repeat champions such as two-time winner Tony Robles, three-time winners “Ginky” George SanSouci and Joss Tour Director Mike Zuglan.
The World 10-Ball Championship is in the 64-Player Single Elimination Rounds in Manila
November 27, 2009
Team CSI American Grandmaster Member Corey Deuel
Every pool player dreams of becoming a World Champion. At the 2009 10-Ball World Championships, 112 of the world’s strongest pool players all began their journey for this title in the billiards holy ground that is the Philippines. Pool is their national pastime, similar to how American’s value and appreciate baseball. The 10-Ball World Championships is taking place at the World Trade Center in Manila, a city that has a rich history and culture, and the word is that they are rolling out the red carpet for the professional pool players and their fans.
The practice facility provided for these top players is located in nearby Quezon City–The Star Billiards Center, where the top names in Filipino pool gather to train. This 40-table room offers them free table time, free food, wireless internet access and a café with dining area. But perhaps the most striking part of the room is its mascot. “Tiger,” as he is aptly named, is a six-month-old Siberian tiger that has the roam of the room.
Read on to find out who has made it to the 64-player single-elimination round at the World 10-ball Championships…
Mascot - Siberian Tiger named "Tiger"
10 Things an Aspiring Pool Player, Artist, or Musician Can be Thankful for on Thanksgiving
November 26, 2009
Artist Thankful for Food On the Grind
I have never been one who get’s all worked up during the holiday season, but Thanksgiving is a day that I usually enjoy eating a good meal and reflecting on life.
Throughout my life in NY, I have seen a lot of artists, musicians, and athletes on the grind… doing what they do to make their passion a success, in whatever fits their definition of “success.” The grind, especially during difficult financial times, can be a challenge and sometimes feels like it’s a thankless lifestyle.
After several conversations with a few of my friends, I have put together this list of ten things that we as pool players, athletes, or artist can give thanks for. Read on to check out the list!
Team DMIRO Tour’s New 30 Second Promo Video! Next Tour Stop: Hot Spot Capone’s Billiards
November 25, 2009
DMIRO Stop #1 runner up Mike Yednak and winner Allen Hopkins with Geoff Bradshaw & Michael Andrews of Team DMIRO
The Team DMIRO Nationwide 10-ball Tour uses the acronym DMIRO–which stands for “Don’t Miss I’ll Run Out,” which boasts a certain swagger among the players who stand out on the tour. The 25-city nationwide tour kicked off at NYC hotspot Eastside Billiards which added $2,000 while rolling out the red carpet for the players.
Legendary pool players and Hall of Fame Member, Allen Hopkins has endorsed the Team DMIRO Tour, and came out to the first tour stop to show his support. Allen not only made an appearance but he impressed the knowledgeable NY crowd while he captured his the first Team DMIRO title.
Sponsors for the Team DMIRO Tour include Tiger Products, McDermott Cues, Delta-13 Racks, OB Cues, Hammond Custom Cues, Diekman - Cue Builder, The Super Billiards Expo, and Run Out Sportswear.
The tour’s next stop will be held at Capone’s Billiards in Spring Hill, FL this coming weekend (November 28t-29th). Copone’s is a legendary pool hall which draws some of the top pro pool players in the Florida area. Team CSI members John Schmidt, Earl Strickland and House Pro Corey Deuel often frequent Capone’s, and it is well-known as one of Florida’s top pool rooms.
Bruce Nagle Impresses in Blaze Tour Victory at Rockaway Billiards
November 25, 2009
Bruce Nagle (1st), Rockaway Billiards owner Bob Guerro, Mike Miller (2nd)
The Blaze Tour rolled through Rockaway Billiards in Rockaway, NJ on November 22nd, 2009. While the host room Rockaway Biliards is a tour favorite location, the event drew fewer players than expected, mainly because of the Joss Tour’s Annual Ocean State Championship. The Snookers event drew 108 players which impacted the Blaze Tour’s attendance.
Several of the top players on the grind came out to try to take advantage of the lack of other top players who went to the Snookers event. Mike Miller, Spanky Kaba, Wali Muhammad, and Jerry Tarantola all were looking to make a statement.
NY area aspiring women’s professional “Snooky” Diana Rojas, made the trip to Jersey as well. “Snooky” has been recently tearing it up in the NYC area, while consistently showing heart and determination. Snooky was joined in the tournament by another aspiring female player who has been breaking through lately, Sandy Paterino.
Click Here to view our photo gallery from this event, photos by Jerry T.
J. Viewz Hits Up Brooklyn Bowl Tonight along with Electric Morocco and Hank & Cupcakes
November 25, 2009
J. Viewz vocalist Noa Lembersky
Story & photos by NYC Grind contributor, Alison M. Fischer
New York is known as the city with one of the most vast and varied musical landscapes in the world, and on nearly every day of the week, you can find something to suit your taste. And, from arenas to hole-in-the wall clubs, and everything in between there’s just as many varied venues.
One of Brooklyn’s most interesting live music venues is Brooklyn Bowl–yes, a bowling alley! Although live music at bowling alleys often conjures up images of cover bands, karaoke Brooklyn Bowl offers some of the most eclectic and original musician of our time, including hip-hop artist Talib Kweli, the funky jazz of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Adrien Grenier of Entourage and his folk rock band The Honey Brothers.
Tonight, Brooklyn’s own J. Viewz are making some noise at The Brooklyn Bowl for a free live show, which kicked off at 8:30 pm, where they are joined by Electric Morocco and Hank & Cupcakes. On November 6th, I got to check out J. Viewz at the world-famous Blue Note jazz club in the West Village. The room was packed to the gills, and by the time I got there, there were no seats in the house.
Click here to view the photo gallery from the show, and read to check out more on J. Viewz.
Paul Everton Masters the Tri-State Tour’s Third Stop of the Month
November 23, 2009
Justice Eagan (2nd) & Paul Everton (1st)
On Saturday, November 26, a field of 28 players headed to Master Billiards to vie for a top prize of $650 at this amateur B/C/D event. Paul Everton would walk away the winner of this tournament, only three weeks after undergoing surgery. Even with swelling and pain, Paul couldn’t resist the temptation to play pool… a sign of a true die-hard!
His route to victory entailed wins against Ronny Cochachi (7-4), Duane Toney (7-3), and Masatoshi Ebihara (7-5) on the winner’s side, where he then lost to Justice Eagan (7-4). Eagan then went on to claim the hot seat after a hill-hill (7-6) win over Rene Villalobos.
In the final four of the one-loss side, Ron Mason had a dominating 7-1 win over Trevor Heal, while one of the Tri-State’s fierce female players, Emily Duddy, defeated Masatoshi Ebihara (7-4). Emily went on to defeat Master Billiards house player and manager Romeo Singh (7-2), but Ron would fall to Paul Everton (7-6).
